Physics Literature Project PHYS5047P

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Physics and Astronomy
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

To provide students with an opportunity to develop research skills by carrying out a literature review of a current research topic in physics, at a level appropriate for a professional physicist.

Timetable

"Scientific writing skills" Workshop, Week 2 of semester 1

"Scientific literature and database searches" Workshop, Week 3 of semester 1

Oral presentations, Week 10 of semester 1

Requirements of Entry

This course is normally only open to students who meet the requirements for entry, or progression, for a degree programme which includes the Physics Literature Project as an elective or compulsory course.

Excluded Courses

Phys 4022P P4PR30H Physics Project

Phys 4023P P4PR20H Physics Project

Phys 5015 Research Skills

Co-requisites

Solid State Physics; Atomic Systems; General Physics Workshop

Assessment

Literature survey, quality of the research findings and knowledge of the subject 40%

Written report 40%

Oral presentation 20%

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? No

Reassessments are not normally available for students on MSci degrees where their first attempt contributes to their Honours Classification.

Course Aims

To provide students with an opportunity to develop research skills by studying in depth a current research topic in physics, which will include an extensive literature searc and written and oral reports on the topic to a level appropriate for a professional physicist.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to: 

■ demonstrate a knowledge and broad understanding of a current research topic in physics.

 

They should be able to:

■ carry out an extensive literature search using the relevant databases for the research topic;

■ critically evaluate the state of the art in the research field;

■ analyse and interpret research results based on the literature investigation;

■ summarise the research information in a clear and properly structured review in the form of a written report;

■ perform a critical analysis of the potential of this field for future research;

■ give a brief presentation to academic members of staff on the literature review carried out.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

At least 75% by weight of the components of the course's summative assessment must be submitted for credit.